From April 2027, the basic state pension and the new state pension will rise by 3.9% under the triple lock, but several other DWP state pension payments will not receive the same increase. Pension Credit, Additional Pension and the Winter Fuel Payment are among the payments that will not be uplifted in line with the triple lock.
The triple lock automatically raises pension payments by whichever is the greatest of three measures: inflation, wage growth or a flat 2.5%. This year, wage growth stands at its highest level of 3.9%, meaning this will lift the basic state pension for older state pensioners to roughly £192.10 per week for a pensioner with a full National Insurance record, while the new state pension will rise to approximately £250.70 per week.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined plans to scrap the triple lock and replace it with a reduced 'double lock' equivalent from 2030. For the time being, the mechanism will remain in place for at least another three years.
What the 3.9% increase means
Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden confirmed in Parliament: "I am pleased to announce that the basic and full rate of the new state pensions will be increased by 3.9%, in line with the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2026."
He added: "This delivers on our triple lock commitment throughout this Parliament to increase these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth in earnings or 2.5%. From April, the full annual rate of the new state pension will increase by around £490. The full annual rate of the basic state pension will increase by around £375."
Individual circumstances and employment history will determine personal weekly amounts.
Payments that miss the triple lock
Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit for those of pension age on a low income, rises in line with wage growth rather than the triple lock. However, as wage growth happens to be the highest measure this year, the increase will be identical. Pension Credit will pay out a maximum of £247.30 per week, nearly matching the level of a full new state pension.
Additional Pension (AP) encompasses several now-defunct schemes previously run by the DWP in partnership with employers. The 'opt in' scheme permitted individuals to 'contract out' a portion of their salary in return for an additional pension payment upon retirement. It also incorporates various forms of the scheme, including SERPs and Second State Pension, though these were discontinued after 2002 and only continue to pay out to those enrolled prior to that point.
These AP payments will not increase in line with the triple lock and will instead rise by just 3.5%. Mr McFadden added: "Other state pension and benefit rates covered by my statutory review will be increased by 3.5%, in line with the increase in the consumer prices index in the year to September 2026."
Payments that will not rise at all
The Winter Fuel Payment will remain at between £150 and £300 depending on individual circumstances. For a single state pensioner, the payment stands at £200, rising to £300 for those aged over 80. These figures are not triple locked and do not increase annually.
Despite energy bills and inflation climbing year on year, the payment amounts remain unchanged. This also applies to various other pension age benefits, including the £10 Christmas bonus, which has remained unchanged since it was first introduced over 30 years ago.
